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Extensor digitorum longus

Other Terms: Musculus extensor digitorum longus, Muscle long extenseur des orteils

Muscle parts


Latin name

Musculus extensor digitorum longus

Latin muscle parts



Crural muscle – anterior compartment


In English this muscle’s name is the long muscle that straightens the toes. The word extensor comes from the Latin ex meaning “out from” and tendere meaning “to stretch.” The term digitorum is from the Latin digitus, which originally meant the “pointing thing,” a term that is similar to the Sanskrit word “dic” meaning to show or point out. Because we point with our fingers the term was applied to the fingers and then the toes. Longus is the Latin term meaning “long.” This is being used as a comparative reference to a shorter muscle that does the same thing.


Lateral condyle of the tibia, proximal 3/4ths of the medial surface of the fibula, and the adjacent interosseous membrane.


Middle phalanx and distal phalanx of the four lesser toes via the extensor expansion.


Dorsal flexion of the ankle joint; extension of the four small toes

Nerve supply

Deep peroneal nerve (L5 and S1)

Blood supply



Musculus extensor digitorum longus


Muscle long extenseur des orteils


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